Obama, Abbott, Rutte, demand full access to MH17 crash site

Washington: US President Barack Obama has joined with the leaders of Australia and the Netherlands to demand full access of the crash site of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, which was shot down over eastern Ukraine killing all 298 people on board.

In a telephonic conversation, Obama thanked Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott for his leadership on this issue, including his willingness to send investigators to the crash site as well as federal police if necessary, the White House said in a statement.

"The two leaders agree that a prompt, full, unimpeded and transparent international investigation is an imperative, and they expressed their resolve to push for full, immediate, and secure access for international investigators to the crash site," the statement said.

Obama also called Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

"The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to assure that the crash site is properly secured, that all remains are found and returned home, and that a full, transparent, and unhindered international investigation can proceed," the statement said.

Instead of de-escalating the situation, they agreed that all evidence indicates Russia is still arming and supplying separatists who continue to engage in deadly acts of aggression against Ukrainian armed forces, the statement added.